After reading the blog focusing on the use of “paper blogs” in order to introduce the concept of blogging into the classroom for primary education students, I found a number of ideas that could also be implemented for secondary education students. I found the use of 3x3” post-it notes to simulate online comment threads to be interesting; it is a good way for students to become familiar with comment threads and the purpose they serve. The blog also mentions the use of a “7th-grade blogging rules” contract that needs to be signed. In secondary schools today, bullying is a large issue that, with the advent of social networking, makes it way outside of the school and into a student’s life. The use of a contract can prevent bullying within the blogs, so long proper discipline is applied when the contract is breached. I think the use of a contact is an excellent way to scaffold the foundations of online responsibility.
An idea that I had found especially important was the creation of a rough draft for the paper blog prior to its actual creation. While online content can be posted, edited, reposted or deleted on the fly, it is good for students to know what they want in the realm of cyberspace as well as on paper. The integrity of postings in both the digital and physical world will not be compromised if students sort out what they want to say before they actually say it. I feel it is good for them to learn to not give in to the instant impulsive actions that online forums can provide.
I really like the point youre making about the impulsiveness of blogging. I think that often times when students are on the internet they do not think twice about their actions, and their thoughts aren't as well recorded as they can be in a classroom. however do you think that the transition from paper to cyber blogging could be potentially confusing? Not only was I considering the transition, but also the class time involved in paper blogging almost diminishes the point of blogging in the first place.
ReplyDeletehowever, I have to say you bring up many similar and even more interesting points that i considered in my article
Like Julie, the point you make on the impulsivity of student "speech" is an important one. Students, and often adults, get into the habit of speaking before they think and it can often result in some awkward situations. Teaching them at an earlier age to focus on their thoughts and what exactly they mean and want to get across can help them to be more articulate. Students often you abbreviated colloquial language as well when on social media, and this would be a good lesson in expressing when and when not to use such language online.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the written blogs can enforce students to use correct language and help create better writing skills. However, I feel that if someone disagrees with another person I do not believe they should be completely censored. Obviously no profanity should be used and should be no hint of hatred toward the blogger, but if someone feels strongly against someones idea it should not be a problem to provide criticism to a person's ideas.
ReplyDeleteRelating to what you said about the impulsiveness -- anything having to do with the internet and communication via the internet is prone to a lot of miscommunication. Developing paper blogs before the actual ones not only allows students to get a feel for the experience, but it also allows the teacher to get an idea of how a student will compose themselves online.
ReplyDelete